Fighter Jet News

F-16 Fighting Falcon News

RoKAF KF-16D crashes into the Yellow Sea - crew OK

March 31, 2009 (by Asif Shamim) - The South Korean Defence ministry announced that a KF-16D from Seosan AB crashed into the Yellow Sea on Tuesday around 12:20h local time, both pilots ejected safely.

RoKAF F-16D block 52 #92-029 from the 20th FW seen on final approach at Seosan AB on October 6th, 2004. [Photo by Elmer van Hest]

The KF-16D crashed in waters west of the Korean Peninsula in Yellow Sea, about 40 km off Taean County, South Chungcheong Province. The fighter was on a training flight, taking off from Seosan at 11:50h.

The two pilot and were rescued by a pair of helicopters, said the South Korean Air Force, also adding that the two pilots were not in critical conditions.

The cause of the accident wasn't immediately known, but the Air Force is now collecting debris of the aircraft around the area, and has set up an investigation team which will be led by Lt. Gen. Kim Yong-hong, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The last crash KF-16D that crashed was back in July 2007 with the loss of both crew.